Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
Love You're Just a Laugh
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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I smell blossoms and the trees are bare
All day long I seem to walk on air
I wonder why, I wonder why
I keep tossing in my sleep at night
And what's more I've lost my appetite
Stars that used to twinkle in the skies
Are twinkling in my eyes I wonder why
(You don't need analyzing)
(It is not so surprising)
(That you feel very strange but nice)
(Your heart goes pitter patter)
(I know just what's the matter)
(Because I've been there once or twice)
(Put your head on my shoulder)
(You need someone who's older)
(A rub down with a velvet glove)
(There is nothing you can take)
(To relieve that pleasant ache)
(You're not sick, you're just in love)
I hear singing and there's no one there
(You don't need analyzing)
(It is not so surprising)
I smell blossoms and the trees are bare
(That you feel very strange but nice)
All day long I seem to walk on air
(Your heart goes pitter patter)
(I know just what's the matter)
I wonder why
(Because I've been there once or twice)
I wonder why
I keep tossing in my sleep at night
(With your head on my shoulder)
(You need someone who's older)
And what's more I've lost my appetite
(A rub down with a velvet glove)
Stars that used to twinkle in the skies
(There is nothing you can take)
(To relieve that pleasant ache)
Are twinkling in my eyes
(You're not sick)
I wonder why
(You're just in love)
(And I know why)
And I know why
I'm just in love
The lyrics to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's song "Love You're Just a Laugh" describe the physical and emotional sensations one experiences when falling in love. The first verse paints a picture of a surreal world where the senses are confused - the singer hears singing but there's no one there, smells blossoms even though the trees are bare, and walks on air. The second verse shows the physical effects of falling in love, with the singer losing sleep and appetite. The chorus reassures the listener that what they're feeling is normal - love can make you feel strange but nice, with your heart skipping a beat and a pleasant ache in your chest. The song ends with the singer acknowledging that they're just in love, and it's okay to feel this way.
The song was written by Frank Loesser and Jimmy McHugh for the 1938 film "You Can't Have Everything". The original lyrics were slightly different from the Fitzgerald/Armstrong version, with a third verse about finding religion and going to church, which was omitted from the final version. The song has since become a jazz standard, covered by a variety of artists including Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear singing and there's no one there
I feel joy and exuberance even when it seems there is no reason for it
I smell blossoms and the trees are bare
I am surrounded by beauty and growth, even in the midst of apparent dormancy and death
All day long I seem to walk on air
I am carried by a sense of lightness and freedom, my steps buoyed by the power of love
I wonder why, I wonder why
I am curious about the nature of my feelings and what has brought me here
I keep tossing in my sleep at night
I am consumed by passion and desire to the point of restlessness
And what's more I've lost my appetite
I am so overcome by my emotions that I am no longer able to take pleasure in the most basic human needs
Stars that used to twinkle in the skies
The world around me has taken on a new radiance and beauty
Are twinkling in my eyes, I wonder why
I am mystified and entranced by the power of love to change my perception of reality
(You don't need analyzing)
This experience is beyond rational explanation or understanding
(It is not so surprising)
Being so fully alive and in love is a natural experience for human beings
(That you feel very strange but nice)
This experience is unfamiliar but deeply pleasurable
(Your heart goes pitter patter)
The physical sensations of love are strong and vibrant within me
(I know just what's the matter)
I have experienced these feelings before and recognize them for what they are
(Put your head on my shoulder)
Let me be there to support and comfort you as you navigate the intensity of your emotions
(You need someone who's older)
Love can be a challenging and confusing experience, and the guidance of someone with more experience can be valuable
(A rub down with a velvet glove)
Be gentle with yourself as you experience the overwhelming power of love
(There is nothing you can take)
There is no cure or remedy for the intoxicating effects of love
(To relieve that pleasant ache)
The ache of love is as irresistible as it is delightful
(You're not sick, you're just in love)
The intensity of my emotions is not a negative symptom, but rather evidence of a powerful connection with another person
(And I know why)
I have a deep understanding of the transformative power of love
And I know why
I am fully aware of and accepting of the all-encompassing nature of love in my life
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind